Education

Some who know Leigh Ann Richardson would say her ability to succeed comes naturally.

But when it comes to business and education, Richardson credits Crossroads Institute for much of her achievement.

“I’m thankful there’s a place people can come and get constructive feedback about starting a business – about a plan and making that plan come true,” said Richardson, who also teaches nursing for Wytheville Community College at Crossroads.

Changes that allowed more students to retake Standards of Learning exams helped boost scores across core subjects this past school year, based on pass rates released Aug. 11 by the Virginia Department of Education. Local school divisions mirrored state trends.

Elementary and middle school students were allowed to retake the tests for the first time last school year following a change in the law. High schoolers already had the chance to do so.

INDEPENDENCE – Susie Funk, administrative supervisor, told the Grayson County School Board at its Aug. 10 meeting that the school system was fully staffed and ready for the opening of school on Aug. 12.

The school board praised Funk, school staff and Interim Superintendent Dr. Larry Massie for their work in securing teachers and other staff members for the 2015-2016 school year.

A lengthy list of personnel items were approved by the board including:

INDEPENDENCE – Grayson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Doug Vaught on Friday confirmed that he has been consulted “regarding allegations involving the Grayson County School system,” specifically financial records and accounting.

Vaught said in a statement sent to local newspapers that an investigation is underway.

INDEPENDENCE – Dr. Larry Massie, interim superintendent for Grayson County Schools, has responded to concerns expressed by the Grayson County Education Association (GCEA) about rehiring teachers.

He says some teachers cut during a “reduction in force” earlier this year have been re-hired.

Rebecca Absher, president of the GCEA, told school board members at a recent meeting that the decision not to re-hire teachers who were on the reduction in force list was causing a lot of undue stress.